Johnny recorded as a member of the 1980's southern rock band The Johnny Van Zant Band which released albums in 1980, 1981 and 1982. The band shortened its name to Van Zant for the release of its fourth album in 1985, the eponymous Van Zant, which saw some chart success with "You've Got to Believe in Love" and "I'm a Fighter". However, this band was not the same as the current version of Van Zant and did not include brother Donnie.
Johnny released another album under his full name in 1990, but spent most of his time in that period singing for the Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion group. He joined up with Donnie, and they revived the Van Zant name to release an album in 1998, which led to a follow up album in 2001. They have also released two albums to the country music format: 2005's Get Right with the Man and 2007's My Kind of Country. Overall, the group has had two singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks charts (the prior incarnation of Van Zant also had two), and six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
I Can`t Help Myself
Van Zant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't see the life.
I been strung out, burned out, left out,
And hung out to dry.
So I say to myself that I wanna get better
Hidin' from the truth, I can't last forever.
Jesus, help me
I've got nobody else.
Send me an angel: someone to strangle,
That old demon that's hauntin' me there on the shelf.
I can't help myself.
And my excuses are so old an' tired
Hell, I forget 'em.
I keep fallin', an' crawlin', an' drownin'
Down here on the bottom.
Yeah, I've pushed back my brothers, said goodbye to my friends
When you get in this deep, the hell never ends.
Jesus, help me
Obviously, I can't help myself
I've got nobody else.
Send me an angel: someone to strangle,
That old demon that's hauntin' me there on the shelf.
I can't help myself.
Gimme a reason to live an' show me a sign.
I'm on the edge goin' out of my mind.
I'm down on my knees: I'm beggin' you please,
Make me somebody else: I can't help myself.
(No!)
I need something stronger
Pour it all over me.
Send me an angel, someone to strangle,
That old demon
'Cause you know that I never will.
I can't help myself.
The lyrics of Van Zant's song "I Can't Help Myself" detail a struggle with addiction and the feeling of being lost and alone. The singer admits that they've been "lost in the darkness for so long," unable to see the good in life due to their struggles with addiction. They describe themselves as "strung out, burned out, left out," and feel as though they've been abandoned by everyone who once cared about them. The singer recognizes that they need help, but feel as though they can't do it alone. They call out to Jesus for help, saying "obviously, I can't help myself, I've got nobody else."
As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly desperate for help, begging for someone or something to intervene and "strangle that old demon" of addiction. They admit that their excuses for their behavior are worn out and that they keep falling deeper and deeper into their addiction. The lyrics convey a sense of hopelessness and despair, with the singer feeling as though they're "on the edge goin' out of [their] mind" and begging for a reason to live.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Can't Help Myself" are a raw and honest depiction of the struggles of addiction and the feeling of being alone and helpless. The singer recognizes their need for help and feels as though they can't do it alone, calling upon a higher power to intervene and help them overcome their struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Been lost in the darkness for so long
I have been in a dark place for a long period without any hope or positive thoughts.
I can't see the life.
I cannot see any improvement in my life.
I been strung out, burned out, left out, and hung out to dry.
I have been through a lot struggling and dealing with my inner demons.
So I say to myself that I wanna get better
I have isolated myself from others but want to start working towards a better self.
Hidin' from the truth, I can't last forever.
Avoiding the truth and living in denial is not sustainable in the long run.
Jesus, help me
I am seeking divine intervention to overcome my struggles.
Obviously, I can't help myself
I have come to terms with the fact that I cannot fight my battles alone.
I've got nobody else.
I have no one else to turn to for help.
Send me an angel: someone to strangle, that old demon that's hauntin' me there on the shelf.
I need someone to help me overcome my inner demons.
And my excuses are so old an' tired, hell I forget 'em.
I am tired of making excuses to justify my actions and have forgotten most of them.
I keep fallin', an' crawlin', an' drownin' down here on the bottom.
I am continuously struggling and falling, feeling like I am at rock bottom.
Yeah, I've pushed back my brothers, said goodbye to my friends, when you get in this deep, the hell never ends.
I have pushed away my loved ones and feel like there is no end to my struggles.
Gimme a reason to live an' show me a sign.
I need a reason to keep going and a sign that things will get better.
I'm on the edge goin' out of my mind.
I am at a breaking point and losing my sanity.
I'm down on my knees: I'm beggin' you please, Make me somebody else: I can't help myself.
I am pleading for help to change and become a better person, as I cannot do it alone.
(No!)
Expressing frustration or a sense of hopelessness.
I need something stronger, Pour it all over me.
I need something powerful to help me overcome my struggles.
Send me an angel, someone to strangle, that old demon, 'cause you know that I never will.
Again, I need someone to help me overcome my inner demons, as I cannot do it alone.
I can't help myself.
I am admitting that I cannot overcome my struggles alone.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DONNIE VAN ZANT, JOHNNY VAN ZANT, BRAD WARREN, BRETT WARREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Spangenberg
This the song that definitely describes my struggle with alcoholism. I’m now saved by the blood and grace of Jesus Christ.
spider classic
This album found me after a 8mo life saving stint in rehab. 10 years later this song still brings a tear to my eye. If your at your wits end don't give up!
Lori Kraft
If you really listen to this song and feel it deep down then you understand the song. Very awesome.
Valentina Brambilla
Love this song
Aaron Koofer-Thompson
What an incredible song. Flawless.
Robert Staley
One of my favorite songs ever still going strong in 2019
Pesky Pest
I listen to this song every day. To remind me of all the destruction I created in my past and where I am now. The first time I heard this song basically when it came out, I knew it was a message sent at the right time. That’s why I will always listen to and cry to this song.
Robbie Mayes
My sister is going thru withdrawls this morn. This song popped up never heard it before. Prayer works. Jesus works. Amen It was like the Lord sent her this song thank you
Jamie Combs
Recovering from addiction, this song says all that needs to be said from this recovering addict. Thanks for the video, this song, along with Jesus, has helped turn my life around.
Janalle Calkins
Recovering from a bad relationship addiction. Thought I was no good and should be treated bad. But now I have an angel. That angel is me being strong with the help of god